Entry onto Level 3 courses includes students achieving 4 x Grade 9-4 or equivalent at GCSE alongside a Grade 4 or above in English and/or Mathematics. Students with either English and/or Mathematics at Grade 3 or below will have individual meetings to determine the most suitable pathway within the Sixth Form.

Course description

You will study a range of business related topics including core units:

• Exploring Business – In this introductory unit, learners study the purposes of different businesses, their structure, the effect of the external environment, and how they need to be dynamic and innovative to survive.
• Developing a Marketing Campaign – In this unit learners will gain skills relating to and an understanding of how a marketing campaign is developed, before creating a campaign of their own for a pre-released case study.
• Personal and Business Finance – Learners study the purpose and importance of personal and business finance. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand, analyse and prepare financial information.
• Recruitment and Selection Process – Learners explore how the recruitment process is carried out in a business. The unit gives them the opportunity to participate in selection interviews and review their performance.

There are also a wide range of additional units including Managing an Event, International Business and Principles of Management should you choose to study the Diploma. The course installs a broad understanding of many business theories which can be further developed at university, through employment or via an apprenticeship.

Exam board

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business
Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Business

Assessment

Extended Certificate in Business – equivalent in size to one A Level.  You study 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are externally assessed.

Diploma – equivalent in size to two A Levels.  You study 8 units of which 6 are mandatory and 3 are externally assessed.

Ways to help my child succeed

You need determination, discipline and good time management. You will develop imagination, critical thinking and team working skills through active and engaging learning. To further your vocational experience, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities organised by you and your subject teachers. These may include the Nestlé Chocolate Box Challenge, Griffins’ Nest, Persimmon Challenge and other Business Challenge Days. Participating in extracurricular activities will help deepen your real world knowledge and understanding of business and also help you to develop additional skills for future employment or study.

Useful websites

www.tutor2u.net/business
www.beebusinessbee.co.uk
uk.reuters.com/business